Equinophobia | Fear of Horses

(e-kwine-oh-fo-be-ah)

What is Equinophobia?

Equinophobia is an intense and irrational fear of horses. It is thought that as many as 8% of the world population may suffer from various animal phobias. Those who fear horses may fear loss of control or danger from animals, as even immature, smaller or miniature horses exhibit large size, muscular strength and speed, and animal unpredictability, etc.

Equinophobia is not strictly limited to horses; sufferers may also fear ponies, donkeys, mules, zebras or even other hoofed (non-equine) animals.

The root word 'equus' is Latin meaning 'horse' and the word 'phobia' comes from the Greek word ‘phóbos’ meaning 'fear.'

Causes of Equinophobia

Equinophobia is a specific (or “isolated”) phobia, centered on non-social key factors. Isolated phobias tend to have some previous trauma (often in childhood and often physically injurious) as a root cause; a fear of bees may stem from an injury in childhood, for instance.

Upbringing can also play a role, such as parental warnings about a direct threat (such as “snakes can bite and kill you”) which is especially notable in cases where a threat is more imminent. (An allergy to bees or peanut butter, for instance, would naturally reinforce a real medical concern.)

It is thought that genetics and hereditary factors may play a role in specific phobias, especially those related to a danger of injury. (A primal “fight or flight” reflex may be more easily triggered in those with a genetic predisposition, for instance.)

By contrast, social phobias (like a fear of body odor or touch) are less well understood, are driven by social anxiety and are broadly labeled as “social anxiety disorder”.

In all kinds of phobias, external experiences and / or reports can further reinforce or develop the fear, such as seeing a family member or friend who is affected. In extreme cases, indirect exposures can be as remote as overhearing a reference in conversation, seeing something in the news, on TV, or in the movies.

Equinophobia, like most phobias, stems from a subconscious overprotection mechanism, and as with many phobias can also be rooted in an unresolved emotional conflict.

Negative experiences with horses during one's childhood may certainly give rise to this phobia, but direct trauma is not required.

Equinophobia can be caused by a simple fear of the animal itself. The imposing size and large teeth, etc. may scare some people in this primal way, especially children.